Hoop Classes Now Offered at Theatreworks
Learn to hula hoop with teachers Heidi and Ellen every Tuesday night at 6:30pm
Meet Your Teachers
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Heidi Bateman fell in love with hooping in 2016 at Co-Motion Studio with her now co-instructor Ellen Phillips.
A certified HoopLove Coach since 2018, she’s taught hoop fitness and hoop tricks at Shelby Farms, Madison Dance Studio, Bendy Beast, and High Expectations. She has also been a guest instructor at the Kroc Center, Hope Church, and Bartlett Recreation Center. For the past six years she’s also been hand-crafting custom beginner hula hoops, helping newcomers fall in love with the flow from their very first spin.
Join Heidi to learn tricks, flow, dance and have fun while building strength and confidence.
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Ellen is an international hoop instructor and performer with over 15 years of experience. She has taught at Co-Motion (2016–2018) and Bendy Beast Fitness (2024–2025), and has been an instructor at retreats such as High Altitude Hoop Retreat, Oasis Hoop Retreat, and Spin Hoop Convention. In 2019, she co-founded the Grind City Flow Festival, a one-day event bringing together flow arts instructors from across the country.
A passionate performer, Ellen enjoys teaching sassy choreography and tips on how to conquer a stage. She currently runs Grind City Flow Arts and organizes flow events in Memphis.
FAQs
What size hoop should I buy as a beginner?
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Beginner hoops are typically larger and heavier so you can feel the hoop as you learn. Common beginner sizes range from 36” to 44”. The ideal size depends on your height and waist measurement; a good rule of thumb is to measure from your belly button to the floor to determine the appropriate hoop size. For additional guidance, check out MissHoopsALot’s Size guide here.
Where can I buy a hula hoop?
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There are several hoopmakers online, from larger operations like LED manufactures, to smaller shops on Etsy. Here are Grind City Flow Arts Top Recommendations:
LED Hoops, Smart Toys, LED Flow Toys- Moodhoops
Poly Pro hoops, Sectionals, Taped Hoops- MissHoopsALot
Fire Hoops, Iso Fire Hoops- LiviJoyHoops
I’ve mastered the beginner “on body” hoop. What hoop should I get next?
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Great — it sounds like you’re ready for a lightweight polypro hoop. For our classes, which include many off‑body tricks, we recommend a hoop between 29" and 33" for beginners. You can use either taped or bare polypro: taped hoops add a bit of weight and visual flair, while bare hoops are lighter and more minimalist.
I want to continue my hoop practice at home but I don’t know where to start.
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Look up tutorials on Youtube or find accounts on Instagram using these popular hashtags: #hoopersofinstagram #hooptutorial #hooplah
Here’s a list of hula hoopers around the world who are known for their amazing hoop tutorials:
Taylor Flows, Hoop Therapist, Hoop With Cait, The Galavanting Bee, Comet Dancer, and Deanne Love.